From the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association

OCRACOKE — Chart your course to Ocracoke for the annual Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree October 25 to 28 to commemorate the 300th Anniversary of Blackbeard’s historic last battle directly off the shores of Ocracoke Island. Step back in time with the sights and sounds of 17th- and 18th-century pirate life as Ocracoke Island comes alive with pirate reenactment crews as they invade by land and sea. Enjoy musical entertainment, magic shows, history, period encampments, vendors and a live battle with cannons on Silver Lake.

The event is expanded to three days this year, starting Thursday evening through lunch on Sunday. More pirates, more vendors, more activities and visiting dignitaries from all over the United States and world will visit the island for this historic event.

With cannons blazing and swords flashing, three ships will re-create the last hours of Blackbeard and his crew as Lt. Robert Maynard brings them to battle with cannons blazing. Visitors are encouraged to get in touch with their inner pirate and wear their best buccaneer gear.

Fun for all ages, the Pirate Jamboree features Captain Jim — the magic pirate and illusionist, the Sword Conservatory crew, the Cannon Crew and Colonial Seaport Foundation. Returning performers include bands of roving pirates, the Motley Tones, The King’s Rangers militia, 2015 NC Historian of the Year Kevin Duffus and the sword-fighting Shadow Players.

There are no better ways to experience the past than to visits to the very places where American history took place, to walk in the footsteps of our forebears, to learn what they did, and understand why they did it. Come see what pirate life was really like in this true-to-life 17th and 18th century pirate encampment at the historic Berkley Manor grounds. You and your young scalawags can wear your own pirate costumes and enjoy historical demonstrations, sword fights, pirate storytelling, sea chanteys, navigation, medicine, blacksmithing, demonstrations of pike drills and vintage black-powder weapons.

Brigand’s Bazaar, a vendor fair, will be held in the heart of the festival on the Historic Wahab Estate Lawn, adjacent to the Pirate Encampment. Brigand’s Bazaar will feature local artists in every medium — fine crafts, metal smiths, pottery, jewelry, wood, painting, textiles and more.

BLACKBEARD’S PIRATE JAMBOREE SCHEDULE

Thursday, Oct. 25

7–10 p.m. — Historically Fun Night at the Berkley Barn, heavy hors d’oeuvres, food, beer and wine. Ticketed event, $50 per person. Purchase online at visitocracokenc.com.

The Motley Tones — Rollicking piratical music and fun
Kevin Duffus — Was Blackbeard Murdered?

3 p.m.–2 a.m. — Ocracoke Bar & Grille — “Blackbeard’s Kill Devil Rum Garden”

 

Friday, Oct. 26

11 a.m.–5 p.m. — The Pirate Encampment at Berkley Manor grounds — Living history colonial life /pirate encampment, all day plus special events

11 a.m.–5 p.m. — Community Square — Info, Jamboree merchandise, food court and beer garden, featuring beer from 1718 Brewing Ocracoke, OBX Brewing Station and Lost Colony Brewery.

11 a.m.–5 p.m. — Brigands Bazaar at the Wahab House Lawn — A marketplace of seafaring fine arts, wares, books and more.

11 a.m.–5 p.m. — View the Pirate Ships

“The Meka II” and a Coast Guard Cutter at the NPS docks

“The Ranger” at the Wahab House docks

11 a.m. — The Kings Rangers Muster Drills — pike, cutlass and long gun. Cannons fire as the festival kicks off at the King’s Rangers encampment Wahab House dockside.

 

Books to Be Red Stage

12:30 p.m. — What Was Blackbeard Doing at Ocracoke? Author and Historian, Kevin Duffus

1 p.m. — The Shadow Players Stage Combat sword fighting

1:30 p.m. — The Motley Tones Family Show — Sea shanties, pub songs

2:30 p.m. — Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. A wild band of Nashville musicians who dress like pirates and play a rollicking mix of piratical sing-alongs, rave-ups, rock and more.

3 p.m. — Zillie’s — Freakin’ Heavy Seas keg tapping

3 p.m.–2 a.m. — Ocracoke Bar & Grille — “Blackbeard’s Kill Devil Rum Garden” plus Pirate duo Crossjacks, 8 p.m.

3 —30 p.m. — The pirates invade the encampment

 

Ocracoke Community Center

6–9 p.m. — Family Night

6–9 p.m. — Meet the Pirates
6 —30 p.m. Captain Jim Magic Show

Purchase tickets online at visitocracokenc.com

 

Berkley Barn

7:30–9 p.m. — Meet the Pirates, sponsored by 1718 Brewing Ocracoke, $10 admission. Cash bar with beer and refreshments. Purchase tickets online at visitocracokenc.com

8 p.m. — The Motley Tones
8:30 p.m. — Will the Real Blackbeard Please Stand Up? What happens when three men portray themselves as Blackbeard but only one of them is the real notorious pirate while the other two are imposters?

8 p.m. — Ocracoke Oyster Co. — Tom Mason & the Blue Buccaneers. A wild band of Nashville musicians who dress like pirates and play a rollicking mix of piratical sing-alongs, rave-ups, rock and more.

 

Saturday, Oct. 27

10a.m.–5p.m. — Community Square — Info, Pirate Jamboree merchandise; Food court & beer garden, featuring beer from 1718 Brewing Ocracoke, Outer Banks Brewing Station and Lost Colony Brewery

10a.m.–5p.m. — Pirate Encampment Berkley Manor grounds — Living history colonial/pirate encampment, all day plus special events

10a.m.–5p.m. — Brigands Bazaar at the Wahab House Lawn

10a.m.–5p.m. — View the Pirate Ships

“The Meka II” and a Coast Guard Cutter at the NPS docks

“The Ranger” at the Wahab House docks

2 p.m. — The three-ship Battle of Ocracoke, Silver Lake Harbor

 

Books to Be Red Stage

11 a.m. — Meet Blackbeard

11 —30 a.m. — The Shadow Players Stage Combat sword fighting

Noon — What was Blackbeard doing at Ocracoke? Kevin Duffus

1 p.m. — Captain Jim Magic Show

3:30 p.m. — The Motley Tones Family show — Sea shanties, pub songs

4:30 p.m. — Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. A wild band of Nashville musicians who dress like pirates and play a rollicking mix of piratical sing-alongs, rave-ups, rock and more.

 

Ocracoke Oyster Co.

5:30 p.m. — The Shadow Players Stage Combat

8 p.m. — Tom Mason & the Blue Buccaneers

 

Berkley Barn

8 p.m. — Bawdy Beer Garden, sponsored by 1718 Brewing Ocracoke. A vivacious and informal round-robin exchange of bawdy songs that date back hundreds of years is sure to make you blush. $5 admission. Cash bar with beer and refreshments. Purchase tickets online at visitocracokenc.com 

 

Other Events around town

3 p.m.–2 a.m. — Ocracoke Bar & Grille — “Blackbeard’s Kill Devil Rum Garden”

Pirate duo Crossjacks, 8 p.m.

7 p.m. — Magic Bean Haunted House

8 p.m. — Ocracoke Alive — A Tale of Blackbeard musical, Ocracoke School gym. $15 Adults, $7 Kids. Tickets at the door or online at http www.ocracokealive.org.

9 p.m. — Gaffer’s — Train Wreck & Annual Costume Party, Alice in Wonderland Theme

 

Sunday, Oct. 28

10 a.m. — Springer’s Point Memorial Service for those killed in Blackbeard’s Last Battle. Join with us as the Pirate and Militia Crews march to beautiful Springer’s Point to honor those who perished on that fateful day, Nov. 22, 1718. The Militia’s cannons will kick off the march at Blackbeard’s Lodge. Join in at any point along the route.

Noon — Ocracoke Oyster Co. — Lunch with the Pirates. Join us in closing out the festival at a rousing brunch with the Pirates. Your chance to sit down with our Pirate Crews and enjoy a great meal.